Predicting the A's Opening Day roster

The A's 2019 cast largely resembles the 2018 squad that counted off 97 wins and earned a spot in the American League Wild Card Game. The spring season, however, will feature plenty of competition at multiple positions. Here, MLB.com predicts the 25-man roster for Opening Day as camp opens:
Catcher (2):Chris Herrmann, Josh Phegley
The A's have been on the lookout for an upgrade behind the plate, but they've also stated that they'd be comfortable opening the season with a platoon of the newcomer Herrmann and Phegley.
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First base (1): Matt Olson
Oakland's resident scoop master played in all 162 games last season, later taking home his first career Gold Glove Award.
Second base (1): Jurickson Profar
The A's acquired the switch-hitting Profar in a trade with the Rangers to offset the loss of veteran Jed Lowrie; early projections show Profar could match Lowrie's offensive output.
Third base (1): Matt Chapman
The Gold Glove-winning Chapman, who homered 24 times in 145 games last year, could prove even more forceful at the plate following offseason surgery to alleviate a wrist issue.

Shortstop (1): Marcus Semien
Semien is the longest-tenured Athletic, preparing to enter his fifth season in green and gold.
Outfield (4): Mark Canha, Ramón Laureano, Nick Martini, Stephen Piscotty
Martini and Laureano played their way into the mix with strong performances last year, but Dustin Fowler will also be competing for an outfield job this spring.
Designated hitter (1): Khris Davis
No one in the Majors has more home runs over the last three seasons than Davis, who hit 133 over that span.
Utility (1): Chad Pinder
The A's do-it-all man can back up any infield spot. Ditto in the outfield.
Starting pitchers (5): Mike Fiers, Marco Estrada, Jesus Luzardo, Daniel Mengden, Paul Blackburn
This group is far from set in stone; only Fiers and Estrada are guaranteed spots, while several others will also be considered, including Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas, Parker Bridwell, Aaron Brooks and Tanner Anderson.
Relief pitchers (8): Blake Treinen, Lou Trivino, Joakim Soria, Ryan Buchter, Fernando Rodney, Yusmeiro Petit, J.B. Wendelken, Liam Hendriks
Andrew Triggs and Ryan Dull will also be fighting for jobs in the bullpen, which features one of the best closers in the game in Treinen and a strong supporting staff.

Here's a quick review of the first projection of what the A's roster might look like come Opening Day against the Angels on March 28.
CATCHERS
Chris Herrmann
Josh Phegley
INFIELDERS
Matt Olson
Jurickson Profar
Matt Chapman
Marcus Semien
OUTFIELDERS
Mark Canha
Ramon Laureano
Nick Martini
Stephen Piscotty
DESIGNATED HITTER
Khris Davis
UTILITY PLAYER
Chad Pinder
STARTING PITCHERS
Mike Fiers
Marco Estrada
Jesus Luzardo
Daniel Mengden
Paul Blackburn
RELIEF PITCHERS
Blake Treinen
Lou Trivino
Joakim Soria
Ryan Buchter
Fernando Rodney
Yusmeiro Petit
J.B. Wendelken
Liam Hendriks
INJURED LIST
Sean Manaea
Jharel Cotton
Daniel Gossett